TOGETHER WITH TOSHA

Spring 2017

In This Issue

OSHA Releases Three New Process Safety Management Publications

Tree Care Work

Cleanup Hazards Warning

Cassemco, TN’s First OSHA SHARP Site

VPP Awards of Excellence Update

Fatality Statistics

Bulletin Board

Contact Information

National Safety Stand-Down

Construction Requirement Saves Three Workers

Delay of Enforcement Crystalline Silica

Beryllium Rule Effective Date Delayed

Steve Hawkins TOSHA Administrator

Tennessee OSHA is partnering with several national and state organizations to highlight workplace safety and health events that employers and employees can participate in help make Tennessee workplaces safer and more healthful. These include the Safe + Sound week June 12-18 and the National Fall Protection Stand-Down May

8-12. The Tennessee Associated General Contractors, Tennessee AssociatedBuilders and Contractors, Tennessee Road Builders Association and several otherTennessee organizations will be working to tie in fall protection with the Safe +Sound week. Participating in these events can increase awareness and provideemployers and employees with tools to help eliminate injuries and illnesses andadd profit to the bottom line. Effective safety and health management systemsmore than pay for themselves. Tennessee Volunteer Star (VPP) and SHARP sitesroutinely log OSHA 300 rates that are 60-70% below the national average for their specific industry. Most all businesses work hard to manage productivity and quality. Why not manage workplace safety and health with similar intensity and reap the rewards of reduced worker’s compensation costs, increased employee morale, and the satisfaction of assuring employees go home unharmed. Participating in one of these events is a great start.

Please make plans to attend the 2017 Tennessee Safety and Health Conference to be held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel July 31st through August 2nd. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual event. Approximately 60 sessions are planned and the exhibit hall continues to attract vendors exhibiting the latest products and services to help make the workplace safer and more healthful. More information can be found at TSHC.

Finally, if Tennessee OSHA can help you in any way please contact a member of our dedicated staff. We offer spring and fall classes, Consultation Services, the Volunteer Star (VPP) Program and answer safety and health questions everyday. We are committed to making Tennessee the safest and most healthful place to work in the nation.

TOSHA has partnered with Federal OSHA, the National Safety Council, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for Safe + Sound Week June 12-18. The

event is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety and health programs. These programs can help employers and workers identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving the bottom line. Throughout this week, organizations are encouraged to host events and activities that showcase the core elements of an effective safety and health program--management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing workplace hazards. The Safe + Sound Week website is now available and filled with resources to help plan events and activities during the week: June 12-18th, 2017. Participating is easy, with three steps to get you started:

• Step 1: Select your activities: In order to participate in Safe + Sound Week, you should plan activities and events that include at least one, but preferably all three, of the core elements of a successful safety and health program: management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing hazards. Ideas to help you brainstorm activities for each element are now available.

• Step 2: Plan and promote your events: Planning and promoting your event can help make it a success. Event agendas, checklists, invitations, and flyers; logos, web badges, posters, banners, and decals; and materials for recruiting other participants are available now. Customizable communications including press releases, articles, and emails will be available soon.

• Step 3: Recognize your participation: You will be able to provide feedback about your participation

in Safe + Sound Week and download a certificate of recognition and a participant web badge following the event.

Don’t forget to let others know that you’re participating in Safe + Sound Week. Register your organization and/or events on the interactive map and share your activities on social media using #SafeAndSound. If you are a membership organization and would like to be a partner, please contact SafeAndSoundCampaign@dol.gov.

Tennessee Fall Protection in Construction Stand-Down

During Safe + Sound week the Tennessee Associated General Contractors, Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors, Tennessee Road Builders Association and several other Tennessee organizations will be working to simultaneously emphasize fall protection in construction. To register for the Tennessee event contact Kim Enoch at kim@knoxtnagc.org.

Safe and Sound Week

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities

recorded in 2015 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Fall Prevention Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. It’s an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with workers about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for workers to talk to management about fall hazards they see.

Who Can Participate?Anyone who wants to prevent falls in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. In past years, participants included commercial construction companies of all sizes, residential construction contractors, sub- and independent contractors, highway construction companies, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, other government participants, unions, employer’s trade associations, institutes, worker interest organizations, and safety equipment manufacturers.

PartnersOSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), Tennessee OSHA, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE), the U.S. Air Force, and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers.

How to Conduct a Safety Stand-Down and FAQ’sCompanies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the May 8-12, 2017. See Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful “Stand-Down” and Highlights from the Past Stand-Downs. OSHA also hosts an Events page with events that are free and open to the public to help employers and workers find events in your area.

Certificate of ParticipationEmployers will be able to provide feedback about their Stand-Down and download a Certificate of Participation following the Stand-Down.

Tennessee Encourages Employers to Participate

in the National Safety Stand-Down

The final rule on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in Construction, published on March 25, 2016,

established a new Permissible Exposure Limit and contained several other ancillary provisions that apply to the construction industry. This rule was codified at 29 CFR §1926.1153 and became effective on June 23, 2016. Under the standard, all obligations were to commence on June 23, 2017 except for requirements for sample analysis in paragraph (d)(2)(v), which commence on June 23, 2018.

The construction standard for crystalline silica has a number of unique features warranting development of additional guidance materials. In order to provide the opportunity to conduct additional outreach to the regulated community and to provide additional time to train compliance officers, Tennessee OSHA will delay enforcement of this standard until September 23, 2017. OSHA is currently developing educational materials for employers and enforcement guidance.

OSHA has announced a delay in the effective date of

the Occupational Exposure to Beryllium rule, from March 21 to May 20, to allow for further review and consideration. The extension is in keeping

Tennessee OSHA Extends Silica Standard

Compliance Date

Construction management company Harvey Cleary, a participant

in OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, mandates the use of fall protection at all times for all contractors. At an apartment project in San Antonio, Texas, a framing contractor balked at the requirement, claiming that he never used fall protection in residential construction. After the safety team leader for Harvey Cleary made it clear that following OSHA fall protection requirements was a condition of

Construction Requirement That Contractors Use Fall Protection

Saves Three Workers From Potentially Fatal Injuries

employment, the contractor engineered a fall protection system and had his employees secured to lifelines. A short time after the system was put into place, three workers fell from the top of the structure but never hit the ground because their lifelines arrested their falls. Not only did the insistence of Harvey Cleary’s safety team leader potentially save the lives of three people, it convinced the framing contractor to ensure that his employees have adequate fall protection on future jobs.

with a Jan. 20 White House memorandum that directed the review of any new or pending regulations. This does not affect the compliance dates of the beryllium rule. For more information, see the news release.

Beryllium Rule Effective Date Delayed To Allow For Further Review

OSHA Releases Three New Publications On Process Safety Management

OSHA has released three guidance documents to help employers comply with the

agency’s Process Safety Management standard. PSM is critically important to facilities that store highly hazardous chemicals. Implementing the required safety programs helps

Spring Hazards

Tree Care Work: Falls and Falling Object Hazards

OSHA Warns Recovery Workers, Employers And Public Of Storm Cleanup Hazards

Workers, employers, employees, and the public should be aware of hazards they may encounter, and steps needed for a safe clean-up during storm cleanup activities. For more information, see the news release.

There are many serious hazards in tree care work. This Hazard Bulletin focuses on the hazards from falls and falling objects which can result in serious injuries or death. These hazards also account for a high proportion of the tree care fatalities investigated by

OSHA. To learn more click here.

prevent fires, explosions, large chemical spills, toxic gas releases, runaway chemical reactions, and other major incidents. The new documents focus on PSM compliance for Small Businesses, Storage Facilities and Explosives and Pyrotechnics Manufacturing.

Cassemco, Tennessee’s First OSHA SHARP Site

Cassemco Incorporated, Tennessee OSHA’s (TOSHA) first Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) participant, is still with the program today and

was recently recertified. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s safety and health awards and recognition Programs are designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety and health in the workplace. In June 1998, TOSHA Consultative Services performed the first-ever SHARP evaluation in Tennessee at Cassemco in Cookeville. The consultation team made recommendations for improvements at the site, and the company not only corrected the identified hazards, they took their workplace safety program to a higher level. In December 1999, Cassemco earned OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program, Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award, and the company has maintained SHARP status ever since.

In the past 18 years, while working with TOSHA, much has changed at Cassemco. In 2006, they moved to a newer building on the south side of Cookeville. The company transitioned their business from making foam components for automotive and sporting good applications to foam orthopedic soft goods and positioning products for the medical and home health industries. Cassemco opened in 1975 and is owned by Barbara Tetreault. In addition to being a SHARP participant this small business is also ISO 9001:2008 Certified. The key to any effective safety and health program is management and employees commitment to workplace safety and health. This commitment drives the workplace safety program and makes it part of the culture and the operations of the organization versus just having one person in charge in safety. Shared commitment gives more “safety champions” on the floor and a feeling of ownership for the safety and health of others. This open share of information can spill into other areas, including quality, production, and employee retention.

This partnership of management and employees in safety can best be seen in their own words.

Two words come to mind when I think of Cassemco: (1) Loyalty and (2) Family; two words that go hand-in-hand. I’ve been here for nearly 20 years, and I’ve seen our

Company: Cassemco Incorporated

Location: Cookeville, Tennessee

NAICS Code: 326150, Cut foam products for the medical and other fields

Employees: 22

loyalty and family grow. And like any other family, you want to keep each one safe. I think I speak for everyone when I say we take pride in our work and having a safe environment only makes it better. Receiving the SHARP award proves that. – Jerry Stout, Baumer Operator and Quality

Even though Cassemco is a small factory, we have high standards for our products and especially our clients. All that we have accomplished over the years with the help and assistance of TOSHA, has benefited our clients and helped our employees stay safety conscience. By receiving the SHARP award 16 years in a row, that proves how much the Cassemco family values our employees. We have come a long way, and we strive to continue with TOSHA’s standards and keep being awarded the SHARP flag in the future. – Jerry Samon, General Manager

I remember the first time we received the SHARP award. It was certainly a happy bunch of people who gathered outside to have our picture taken that day. A lot of things have changed over the years – products, machinery, people – we even moved into a newer building. But one thing remains the same, Cassemco’s commitment to providing a safe working environment. The TOSHA consultants, providing information and assistance, have helped us to achieve that commitment. The SHARP award has always been an added incentive for all the employees to work safely. I believe all Cassemco employees take special pride in receiving it again this year.” – Eleanor Hooks Production Coordinator, Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

I have worked at Cassemco for almost 20 years, and things have improved for the better. With moving into the new building, we have not only increased our production, but also increased the safety and cleanliness of the environment. We take pride in our work and how we attain the goals set by TOSHA standards. As a smaller company, we have the satisfaction of keeping the criteria that TOSHA measures in observance. – Ronnie Holman, Power Press Operator

I have worked in many different types of manufacturing companies over the years that have had to comply with OSHA

standards. But when I came to Cassemco, I wasn’t expecting those same standards in a smaller company. In the larger companies, OSHA is thought of as just another thing/job that employees have to do to make the supervisors happy. No one really thought of the safety of their surroundings unless it came to their own person. Cassemco has changed my mind about the true meaning of TOSHA Safety Standards. Since working here, I realize that not only does Cassemco care about the standards but the safety of the employees and everyone works together to achieve the same goals. I am proud to say that I am a part of a company that values the safety of employees and keeps the higher standards over the course of the many years of receiving the SHARP award. My commitment to Cassemco is the same as the employees who have been here since the beginning; having a safe and clean work environment that benefits the family of Cassemco and the clients, who rely on Cassemco to produce the best products possible. – Cassi Lynn, Quality and Safety Representative

SHARP requires that the employer have injury and illness rates below the national average for their industrial classification. Cassemco has had zero recordable accidents in the past 3 calendar years and nearly 150,000 work hours. With a national total recordable case rate of 4.9 for their industry, Cassemco has effectively prevented injuries to 20% of their workforce in the past 3 years when compared to the average of their peers.

Congratulations to Cassemco for their success in attaining SHARP and their continued years of participation in the program. The program recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program services and operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program. Acceptance of your worksite into SHARP from OSHA is an achievement of status that singles you out among your business peers as a model for worksite safety and health.

Additional information about OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program and other small business resources is available at www.osha. gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Source: Jerry Samon, General Manager, Cassemco Incorporated

SI Group, Newport

On January 24th, TOSHA Administrator, Steve Hawkins presented the employees of SI Group in Newport with their Volunteer STAR Award as part of the site’s second certification effort. The site received their first certification in 2013. The 33 employees at the site manufacture chemicals used in the plastics industry. Team members on the evaluation include Mary Misciagna, Garrett Rea and Steve Morrison.

Firestone Industrial Products Dyersburg

On March 15th, TOSHA Administrator, Steve Hawkins presented the employees of Firestone Industrial Products in Dyersburg with their Volunteer

VPP Awards of Excellence Update

2017 TOSHA Fatality Investigation Statistics

Fatalities per Quarter

STAR Award as part of the site’s third certification effort. The site received their first certification in 2008. The 125 employees at the site manufacture air ride suspension systems for trucks. Team members on the evaluation include David Buckles and Steve Morrison.

Bridgestone host VPP Best Practices meeting

On March 29th, the Middle Tennessee Regional Volunteer STAR meeting was hosted by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations in Morrison. 44 individuals representing 24 employers participated. These informative meetings include presentations on best practices at VPP sites and are open to any interested company.

As of April 30, 2017 Tennessee OSHA has investigated 11 workplace fatalities this year. Four of these occurred in the construction industry, two in the logging operations, two in industrial or manufacturing, one each in service, wholesale, and the public sector. Five of these were caused by being struck by an object, three from being crushed, two from falls from elevation, and one drowning.

CONFERENCEGAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

July 30-August 2, 2017

40CELEBRATING

YEARS

For more information or to REGISTER visit:

tnsafetycongress.org.

TENNESSEE SAFETY & HEALTH YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED TO

Co-sponsored by TOSHA and the TN Chapters of the ASSE.

OSHA’s $afety Pays

Program Shows

Employers How

Workplace Injuries

And Illnesses Impact

Their Bottom Line

Washington OSHA Releases Two New Apps To Promote Workplace Safety

NIOSH Online Network Helps Healthcare Facilities Address

Bloodborne Pathogens And Other Hazards

July 30 - August 2, 2017

GET IN TOUCH

WITH US

Useful LinksAgency Links Recognition Links

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File a Complaint

Video Library

TOSHA Publications

Safety & Health Conference

TOSHA Safety Awards

VPP

SHARP

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Commissioner Burns Phillips

TOSHA Administrator Steve Hawkins

Steve.Hawkins@tn.gov

TOSHA Newsletter EditorTina Kline-Douglas

Tina.Kline-Douglas@tn.gov

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